Elderberry has been part of European folk practice for centuries and it is still one of the most-used traditional herbs in a home routine. Store-bought elderberry syrup runs expensive, usually carries more sugar than elderberry, and sits on a shelf for months before you buy it. Making it yourself takes about an hour.

This kit has everything but the honey and the water. Instructions are in the bag.

What is in the elderberry syrup kit?

• Dried elderberries (Sambucus nigra), the base of the syrup.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), a long-standing partner to elderberry in home syrups.
• Star anise (Illicium verum), whole pods, warm and a little licorice-sweet.
• Whole cloves, aromatic, a classic with elderberry.
• Cinnamon sticks for warmth.
• Step-by-step instructions, in every kit.

You add raw honey, local if you can get it, and filtered water.

How do I make elderberry syrup?

Put the whole contents of the bag in 3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, drop it to a simmer, and leave it uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes until it reduces by about half. Cool it a little, mash the berries, strain through cheesecloth, then stir in 1 cup of raw honey. Keep it in a glass jar in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months.

How much syrup does one kit make?

One kit yields roughly 16 oz of finished elderberry syrup. At a tablespoon a day for an adult, that carries a family of four for several weeks. Traditional use is 1 tablespoon daily for adults and 1 teaspoon for children over 12 months. Never give honey, or anything containing honey, to a child under one year old.

Is there anything I should know before I use it?

A few things. Echinacea comes from the same plant family as ragweed, daisies, and marigolds, so if those bother you, this kit is not for you. If you take medication that suppresses the immune system, talk with your provider before using it. Our star anise is Illicium verum, the culinary pod, and not Japanese star anise, which is a different plant and is not safe to eat.

Why make it yourself?

Cost and freshness. A commercial syrup is built to sit on a shelf, which means sugar and preservatives and a berry you cannot see. Made at home, you choose the honey, you skip the preservatives, and you know exactly how old it is because you made it Tuesday.

Can I add other herbs to it?

Yes, and people do. Rosehips and astragalus are the common traditional additions once you have the base down. If you want to work something else in, send us a note and we will tell you what we would do.

Where do the ingredients come from?

We grow elderberry on our farm in Opp, Alabama, and when our own harvest does not cover demand we buy from domestic growers we have used for years. Echinacea works the same way. We grow it here, but not in the quantity this kit takes, so the rest comes from growers we can name. Star anise, cloves, and cinnamon will not grow in Alabama, so we buy those whole and bag them here ourselves. We will not put anything in a kit that we would not use in our own kitchen.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We make no medical claims. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.